The recent destruction caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita serves as a
reminder of the type of havoc Mother Nature can cause. Water, wind, fire and
earth movement can be hazardous to your home, perhaps your most cherished and
largest investment. But, there are actions you can take now to protect your
property and prevent major damage should one of these elements strike. Depending
on the age of your home and the building codes in your area, some of these
improvements may already be in place.
Water
Apart from major flooding, most damage occurs when water seeps in through cracks
and leaks. Make sure that windows and doors are well sealed. Seal any cracks and
holes in the foundation and exterior walls. Repair or replace roof shingles
around any area that allows water to penetrate the roof sheathing. Check for
holes or air leaks in the attic and basement. Your basement windows and doors
should have built-up barriers or flood shields. Inspect your sump pump regularly
to make sure that it is working properly. Install or make sure that the
flashing, a thin metal strip, around the doors, windows, thresholds, chimney and
roof are in tact.
Wind
Minimize the damage by keeping the wind from getting inside your home. Windows
and glass doors should be fitted with impact-resistant laminated glass or
covered with impact-resistant shutters. Consider solid wood or hollow metal
doors, which are more likely to resist wind pressure and flying debris. There
are also roofing products with high wind resistance available.
Wildfire
Some inexpensive home improvements that you can make include installing a spark
arrestor on your chimney, eliminating brush and debris from around your
property, and modifying your attic, sub-floor and basement vents. More expensive
improvements include replacing single-pane glass windows, doors or skylights
with tempered glass, recovering your exterior walls with a more fire-resistant
material, and re-roofing your home with a Class A roof covering.
Earthquake
California isn't the only earthquake zone. Other zones include the New Madrid
region, west and just east of the Rockies, the southern Appalachians, New
England and Alaska. Steps you can take to protect your property and possessions
include anchoring appliances, water heater, dressers, and other heavy items to
the wall. Attach your TV, computer and other small appliances to desks, tables
or countertops. Secure ceiling lights, chandeliers and other hanging items to
the permanent structure of your home. Apply safety film to windows and glass
doors. It is also a good idea to install a main gas shut-off device.
Of course, there may be times, when no amount of prepping can protect your home.
However, homeowners insurance can help protect you financially in case something
happens to your property or its contents. Most standard homeowners insurance
policies include structural coverage and personal property coverage. Depending
on your location, you may also need additional coverage against earthquake,
hurricane and fire.
Be aware that flood damage is not covered under the traditional homeowners
insurance policy. Flood insurance needs to be purchased separately through the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federal program. It is available to
nearly 20,000 communities across the U.S. and its territories that participate
in the NFIP. Flooding can be caused by heavy rains, melting snow, inadequate
drainage systems, failed protective devices such as levees and dams, as well as
by tropical storms and hurricanes. So, although you may be in a low to moderate
risk area, you may still want to consider this coverage.
Periodically review your homeowner's insurance policy to make sure that you are
adequately covered to rebuild your home and replace your contents.
If there is ever damage to your personal property, having a home inventory can
make it easier when filing an insurance claim. Start with a sheet a paper for
each room in the house. Go around the room and list every item. Don’t forget the
attic, basement or other storage places. For each item, write the original cost,
purchase date, replacement cost, model number, brand name, where purchased, and
a general description. In addition, take photos or video of each room for visual
documentation. It is also a good idea to arrange valuable collections, silver,
jewelry, etc. and take close up photos. Make sure you update your home inventory
photos and list at least once a year.
When weather-related disasters strike, what's most important is your safety and
that of your family. However, by taking precautions to protect your home, you
can possibly help keep damage to a minimum; or in the case of severe damage,
make sure that you have the financial means to rebuild.
For more information go to www.ibhs.org or www.fema.gov.
Neda Dabestani-Ryba is a licensed Realtor in Maryland. She is a member of the
President's Circle of Top Real Estate Professionals. She can be reached at (800)
536-3806 or visit her website for more information: http://neda.dabestani.pcragent.com/
Prudential Carruthers REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of
Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal
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